times a year. I now serve another church 5 "When I last addressed the Committee my trials were numerous. Since that period they have been complicated, and severe! Poor Mrs. confined of her ninth child, never left her bed after much suffering, for nearly five months, until she was removed a corpse! In her death, six surviving children have lost a tender mother, and the unworthy writer a faithful companion.-Had it not been for kind and liberal friends, my embarrassments must have been extensive...... Thus circumstanced, you will see that my case is a strong one; especially when I inform you, that my curacy does not amount to fifty-two pounds per annum; and that I am entirely destitute of any other means of assistance, save charitable institutions and sympathizing friends!—I have never yet been able to get any commentator on the Bible, nor other publications, which I find a great disadvantage to me." ECCLESIASTICAL PREFERMENTS. Rev. Wm. Maddock Williams, Dom. Chap. to Marquess of Londonderry. Rev. Dr. Butcher, Minister of Chap. Royal, Brighton, Dom. Chap. to Marchioness of Hastings. Rev. Edw. Chaplain, to be Morning Reader and Evening Preacher at Gray's Inn. Rev. Edwards Hannam, Chaplain to Royal Horse Guards. Kev. Henry Blayds, Chaterhouse Hinton, P. C. Somerset. Rev. Edw. Bullen, S.C.L. Gunby, near Spilsby R. Lincolnshire. Rev. Francis Dyson, Dogmersfield R. Hants. Rev. Miles Formby, Cothelstone P.C. Somerset. Rev. Thomas Gatehouse, North Cheriton R. Somerset. Rev. John Gathorne, Tarvin V. Cheshire. Rev. Wm. Greene, Aboghill R. diocese of Connor. Rev. Robt. Harkness, Stowey V. So Rev. R. S. Robson, Rancliffe P.C. co. York. Rev. T. Wharton, St. John's Wood Chapel, Mary-le-bone, vice Parke, dec. Rev. Geo. Wood, Holy Trinity R. Dorchester, Dorset, vice Richinan, dec. Rev. Matthew Irving, B.D. Prebendary of Rochester, Chaplain in Ordinary to the King, vice J. R. Deare, dec. Rev. Jeremiah Smith, D.D. one of the four King's Preachers in Lancashire. Rev. L. P. Baker, B. D. Medbourne, cum Holt R. co. Leicester. Rev. Wm. Clark, Wymeswould V. co. Leicester, vice Sheepshanks, resigned. Rev. T. Godfrey, Newbourne R. Suffolk. Rev. G. Haggitt, Soham V. Cambridge. Rev. Adolphus Hopkins, Clent V. cum Rowley Regis Chap. annexed, co. Stafford. Rev. Benj. Robert Perkins, to a Chaplaincy in Christ Church, Oxford. Rev. J. C. Prince, St. Thomas P. C. Liverpool. Rev. Wm. Henry Quicke, Asbbrittle R. vice Andrew Quicke, resigned. Rev. James Royle, Stanfield R. Norfolk. Rev. Peter Roe, Odogh, Doughnamore. and Kilcormuck united VV. and Coolchahur R. and V. co. Kilkenny. Rev. Charles Tynte Simmons, East Lambrook R. Somerset. Rev. H. R. S. Smith, Little Bentley R. Ess. Rev. David Smith Stone, Wilton Perp. and Augmented Cur. vice Cliffe, resigned. Rev. John Thos. Trevelyan, Milverton Prima V. cum Langford Badville Chap. Rev. T. Nayler, Dom. Chap. to Duke of York. Rev. E. J. Crawley, Chap. to Household of Duke of Clarence. Rev. J. Sandford, Chaplain to Marquess of Queensbury. Rev. E. J. Keane, Chaplain to the Colony of New South Wales and Depen dencies. VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. FOREIGN. SPAIN. This country continues in a wretched condition. The French vainly endeavour to preserve a superficial peace by obliging the government, in its opposition to the constitutional party, to refrain from the counter extreme of encouraging the madness of ultra-royalism. The result is, that no party is satisfied; the ultra-royalists, in particular, are disappointed at the failure of their hopes, and are endeavouring to make "the absolute king" still more absolute, and also to restore the despotism of the church. Bessieres, a leader in this project, has been taken at the head of his little band of associates, and shot with seven of them, after receiving the last rites of their religion. The French government have been collecting a military force on the northern side of the Pyrennees, apparently to keep the contending parties in Spain in awe, and to be in the vicinity to act as circumstances may require. GREECE. The intelligence from Greece states, that the Turks have made a powerful assault both by sea and land on Missolonghi, but have been obliged to retreat with great loss. Some interest has been excited by the intelligence that the Greeks have determined to place themselves under British protection. A manifesto has been published in the name of the Greek Nation, but probably by a few individuals, in which, after urging the inherent justice of their cause, the impediments thrown in their way by some of the continental powers, and the strict neutrality of Great Britain, they place their liberty, their independence, and their political existence, under the absolute defence of this country. Our neighbours, and allies, if we may judge by the public journals, seem to be greatly offended at this proposition. No notice appears to have been taken of the matter by our Government; nor is it clear that they could with any propriety interfere, even if the appeal to them was really national. At the same time, it must be admitted, that Great Britain, by her influence and resources, has it in her power to do much, safely and honourably, to terminate the existing sanguinary warfare, and to secure to the Greeks the enjoyment of their civil and religious liberties; and we trust that no timid policy or systematic prejudices will prevent our attempting at least to achieve this act of humanity and duty, with a magnanimous rejection of all interested or ambitious views. PERU.-Bolivar has issued a decree superseding some restrictive regulations to which foreigners trading in or with Peru were subject. A letter has also been published, written by him to Mr. Joseph Lancaster, expressing his admiration of the system of mutual instruction, and placing in his hands twenty thousand dollars, with a promise of a larger sum, if necessary, towards establishing schools in Peru. The Government of Peru, he adds, has been generous to him in a thousand ways, and among other things has placed at his disposal a million of dollars for the service of Columbia, in the distribution of which sum public education will receive his first attention. The whole conduct of this extraordinary man has for years been characterized by a combination of splendid qualities, which place him in the foremost rank of patriots, heroes, philanthropists, and legislators. BRAZIL AND BUENOS AYRES.-The only hostile indication at present of any importance in South America is a dispute between the empire of Brazil and the Republic of Buenos Ayres respecting the right to the possession of Monte Video. The people of Buenos Ayres, with the approbation and promised assistance, it is stated, of the other new republics, threaten an invasion of Rio Grande, if the emperor persists in his claim. Their first measure in such an extremity, they add, will be to proclaim liberty to all the slaves who shall join their standard-a most formidable menace, considering the vast numbers, the recent importations, and the abject condition of the slave population in the Brazils. And yet, while every nation can see the political infatuation of the system of slavery in neighbouring states, it continues to be widely upheld, and almost fondly clung to, both by mother countries and their colonies, as if it were the very strength and life's blood of their existence. sermons, breathing the warmestpirit of liberty, annually delivered on occasion. of their recurrence, the Americans have been often, and not unjustly, reproached with the existence of slavery on a large portion of their soil. We are most happy to learn, that this incongruity is beginning to be more widely felt among our transatlantic brethren, especially since the anti-slavery discussions in Europe. The following extract from a discourse delivered on the 4th of last July, in one of the churches of Newark, by the Rev. Mr. Russell, breathes, we would hope, the spirit of a large and widely increasing portion of his countrymen, especially the clergy of all denominations. "I tremble for my country, on finding that the utterly indefensible practice of slavery is far more extensive and popular in this independent Republic, than in any other civilized nation of the earth. It is indeed the great political sin of the American people; and it has already fixed upon our national escutcheon a deep and indelible stain. Thanks to the superintending providence of God, and to the wisdom of our legislators, the disgraceful traffic in slaves is for ever hereafter prohibited in our commonwealth; and soon the last vestige of slavery will be hunted from among us. But there are comparatively few states within the middle and southern sections of our Union, that have attained to the same elevated rank in the patriotic enterprize of African emancipation. In the south, especially, slavery still exists in all its horrors, and is rather on the increase. There fifteen hundred thousands of the descendants of Ham are uttering their fruitless wailings, and panting for release. There is a bitter groan issuing from the anguished bosoms of a million and a half of bondmen in the south it cries for redress, and if this be long withholden, it will pierce the highest heaven, and call on God for vengeance!" We have seen extracts from other addresses at the late anniversary, the fortyninth, of American Independence, to the same effect; particularly a discourse by the Rev. Mr. Todd, of Andover Theological Seminary, in which he shews, that slavery must and will soon be removed from the earth. In proof of this position he adduces arguments from the following sources: 1. The progress of enlightened freedom over the earth, at the present day; 2. The Christian feeling awakened in behalf of Africa throughout the world; 3. The Book of Prophecy, as illustrated by the events of the day. Such a theme well befitted that great national festival, and we hope will con tinue to be dwelt upon till the occasion for it shall cease. We are happy to learn that even in the slave states, among the younger and more liberally educated members of the community, a spirit hostile to slavery is beginning to spring up; as a proof of which we might mention the pleasing fact, that voluntary emancipations are occasionally taking place, and some of them to a considerable extent, and with great pecuniary sacrifice. One most honourable recent instance we cannot forbear noticing. A gentleman of Virginia, Mr. David Minge, has emancipated upwards of eighty slaves and made provision for colonizing them in Hayti. He chartered a brig, and put on board eighty-seven Coloured People of different ages, from three months to forty years, being all the slaves which he owned except two old men, whom he has likewise manumitted, but who being past service, he retains and supports. The value of these Negroes is estimated at twenty-six thousand dollars! and Mr. Minge expended previous to their embarkation, about 1,200 dollars in purchasing articles of husbandry for them, besides providing them with clothes, provisions, and every thing which he supposed they might require for their comfort during the passage, and for their use after their arrival in Hayti. He also paid 1,600 dollars for the vessel. As they were about to go on board, he had a peck of dollars brought down to the bank of the river, and calling them all around him, under a tree, he distributed the sum among them. With but a very few such individuals as this scattered throughout the world, slavery cannot long exist. Let us hope the next bright precedent will issue from our own colonies. DOMESTIC. We have little or nothing to report under the head of domestic intelligence, but that the accounts from the seat of war in the East, though they announce the progress of our arms in the Burman empire, are very far from consolatory. Our losses from disease and casualties have been large, and our work is still unfinished. A report had been widely prevalent of the immediate dissolution of Parliament. The Cabinet has recently decided against the measure. In Ireland the Biblical discussion still continues, and has called forth much ardent controversy. Dr. Doyle, in particular, has circulated on the occasion a most remarkable letter, in which he says: reason "I need not remind you, dearest brethren, of what is ruled by the supreme authority of the Church with regard to individuals, unauthorised thereto by their bishop, not entering into public disputations with persons maintaining he retical opinions your own good sense, and the very nature of divine truth, as deposited by Christ with his Apostles and their successors, shew to you, that whatever relates to faith, morals, or discipline, should be regulated by those whom the Holy Ghost has appointed to govern the church. As the obedience you owe to me is a able one, it is just that I should state the grounds upon which I require of you to exercise it in this matter; and they are-First, because the character of the Christian religion is peace; and the end of it, to establish peace and goodwill upon earth, as the means of fitting men for heaven. Secondly, St. Paul says, if any one be contentious, or fond of disputes, we have no such custom, nor the church of God.' Thirdly, because all experience has proved the justice and truth of Tertullian's remark, that disputes with heretics weary the weak, create anxiety in the mind of others, and that the only thing we obtain by them is, to have our anger excited by their blasphemy. Fourthly, because no general principle, to which the questions to be discussed could be finally referred, can be agreed upon between the parties; for this reason, that the members of the Bible Society do not admit our creed, nor have they any creed of their own. Fifthly, you are to avoid these disputes, because by entering into them you appear to call in question those truths which are already defined by the Holy Ghost and by us; that is, by the bishops, the successors of the Apostles! Sixthly, you should not dispute with these men in the manner proposed, because there is no tribunal on the earth competent to try the issue between you. Lastly, you should not contend with men, over whom a triumph could be productive of no permanent advantage: as individuals, they may be learned and respectable, but as religionists they are deserving only of your unmixed pity. They profess to be seeking for truth-this can only be found in the Catholic Church."-We have quoted these remarks of this celebrated RomanCatholic prelate, not so much to shewwhat is, however, but too apparent-the dogmatical and overbearing spirit of the Church of Rome, and its horror of free Biblical reading and discussion; as to exhibit the evident anxiety which pervades the Roman-Catholic hierarchy for the consequences of the rapid progress of education and religious inquiry. If Dr. Doyle is a fair sample of the opinions of his brethren, we may well conclude that the spiritual despotism under which large portions of the world have so long groaned is verging to its downfal. is very unlikely, that, in the present era of liberal inquiry, men can long, or widely, consent to be governed by a system so purely arbitrary, a system which admits no argument but the mere dictum of a self-assumed infallible church. As one proof of this inference, we may notice the fact of the largely increased sale of the sacred Scriptures in Ireland since the late Biblical discussions. Let, then, Protestants rightly judge where their true strength lies; not in the arm of temporal power, not in a return of evil for evil, or railing for railing; but in educating the illiterate, instructing the ignorant, communicating the Scriptures to all who will receive them-in a word banishing darkness by light, error by truth, misrepresentation by charity, and superstition by pure and undefiled religion. It Α ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A; A VILLAGER; A. F; A. J.; G. G; JOHANNES; S. R. C; J. W; THEOGNIS; H. H.; J. M. B; CHRISTIAN COSMOPOLITE; and M. A. C; are under consideration. CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. No. 286.] OCTOBER, 1825. [No. 10. Vol. XXV. RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATIONS. Tothe Editorofthe Christian Observer. THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE ROMANCATHOLIC RELIGION. No. IV. IN pursuing the melancholy course marked out for an inquirer into the system of Popery, I shall remind the reader, that it can survive only so long as the governors and the governed reciprocally obey each other. There must be a perpetual interchange of despotism and submission. Of all mankind, Papists are the most consistent patrons of the doctrines of passive obedience and non-resistence; and necessarily are they so, because the plebeians, so to speak, of their church yield their submission on a certainty that the aristocracy will support, and must support, the course of policy already established. Their loyalty has nothing in it of the dignity of an unbought and patriotic obedience. A loyalty of principle can sustain, without murmuring, the opposition of a legislature to many an expression of popular wishes. It can also blame the measures of the same legislature, without indulging a spirit of sedition. On the contrary, a Catholic populace are at once enslaved and feared by their despotic ecclesiastical government. They are Catholics just while the pope of the day ratifies the plans of his predecessors. The head of the papal empire is spiritually to his adherents, what Napoleon was to the military population of France. The latter was the idol of the army, because he led them to plunder and martial glory. They adored him as a genius of extraordinary address in directing CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 286. and completing their own selfish projects. But had he, in the full career of his success, abandoned the lust of conquest, declaimed against the criminality of unprovoked warfare, and invited his invincibles to retire with him to the quietness and useful arts of peace, he would probably have soon come to his end, and "there would have been none to help him." Let the generalissimo of the papal armies make a parallel experiment. Let him issue a bull, under all the talismanic authority of the fisherman's ring, tending to reduce absolution, and the power of the keys, within the severe restrictions of the first Apostles; let him hint a suspicion of the efficacy of relics, indulgences, and rosaries; and his infallibility would doubtless disappear! The philosophy of inspiration describes indeed, with the plain emphasis of Scripture, the compromise which will invariably take place between the teachers and the taught, in all religions not truly modelled upon the word of God: "The prophets prophecy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so." A collection of correspondent texts would readily detect the causes and consequences of such combinations; and would vividly illustrate the fact asserted in a former paper, that the proudest pretensions of infallibility rest on no foundation more favourable than an abject subserviency to human passions. Such is an attempted specimen of the history of the rise, progress, and establishment of the RomanCatholic religion. If the writer has been, in any degree, correct in the 4 H |